High Achievers Programme
A rewarding High Achievers Programme
The High Achievers Programme here at Aquinas College is a study programme designed to support our most able students to achieve their academic ambitions and make aspirational choices, whilst also encouraging a greater degree of cultural awareness and increasing levels of social engagement/activism.
Applicants who will be invited to join the scheme will have excellent entry qualifications, usually with a G-Score of 8 or above (which equates to a grade 8 average across their GCSE subjects).
The scheme is primarily designed to help students to excel in their studies here at Aquinas. It will also prepare them for life after Aquinas, helping them progress to the UK’s most prestigious universities, and will give them the skills necessary to build a successful and rewarding career.
We will offer opportunities to those who meet the criteria for other ‘widening participation’ schemes such as the Cambridge HE+ program and Nuffield Research Placements.
All of these offer alternatives to the EPQ in terms of research-based projects which can help with university applications and career development.
We have built a programme that is as interesting and wide-ranging as it can possibly be, whilst at the same time encouraging students to aspire to the best universities and then the most rewarding careers available.
- Provide sessions focused on academic study skills and on developing transferable critical skills.
- Encourage students to take an Extended Project Qualification (or equivalent) to complement students’ qualifications.
- Prepare students for university entrance and for any applications, interviews, or entry tests/exams that may be required.
- Broaden students’ cultural and academic horizons so that they have a wider appreciation of all that life has to offer with trips and visits to a variety of academic and cultural destinations.
- Run rich and varied sessions – some led by influential academics, others involving group discussion and project management.
- We will also be encouraging a greater degree of cultural awareness and increased levels of social engagement/activism.
- Offer volunteering and charity opportunities which will be supported by the college Chaplain and outside agencies.
- We want to support activism and campaigning opportunities, working alongside Aquinas Citizens and the Aquinas Student Union.
- Encourage students to undertake work experience, placements or internships, in conjunction with the Careers team and departmental teams.
- We have an excellent set of activities and resources that have been curated for you to access during your time on the programme.
Latest From Aquinas
Aquinas Drama students performed “Much Ado About Nothing” on Wednesday 2nd April. The show was a fantastic success for one night only!!. The students performed with confidence and real energy and the audience really appreciated the performance. They also performed sections from the play for all of the Upper Sixth Assembly groups in the week […]
The BTEC Performing Arts (Acting) students went on a trip to HOME theatre in Manchester to see a play called The House Party. The play was a modern adaptation of the story of Miss Julie. Set at an 18th birthday party with excellent characterisation and intense themes the play took the audience on a roller-coaster […]
Last week we held our 14th consecutive After Aquinas post-18 options careers event for our students to explore possibilities! We hosted over 90 representatives from a wide range of universities, higher education institutions, apprenticeship/degree apprenticeship providers and employers.
In February, 29 students and 4 staff went on a trip of a lifetime to Mumbai to work with the children at the Prem Dan Garden school and also the girls hostel. This was the 20th trip, which made it extra special.
